American Revolution Through Primary Sources

When the Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, it marked the birth of a new nation, but the United States of America was not yet free. A brutal war gripped the nation. The grueling fight against Great Britain was far from over. How did the colonies claim victory against the most powerful army in the world in the battle for independence? Find out why we won the American Revolution.

In the winter of 1776, the Americans looked defeated, but General George Washington did not give up. His troops made a daring move, crossing the Delaware River and winning two battles. The next winter, Washington's soldiers were cold and starving at Valley Forge. How could poorly-equipped and untrained men crush the mighty British? Readers follow author John Micklos, Jr., as he explores two wild winters with Washington.

When the American Revolution began, thousands of people rushed to join the fight, on both sides. For many, choosing which side to fight for was difficult. Half a million black slaves lived in the thirteen colonies. About 200,000 American Indians lived on lands east of the Mississippi River. Both groups had much to gain, or lose, depending on which side won the war. Should they support the Americans fighting for independence, or support the British cause? This book explores through primary sources the amazing stories of African Americans and American Indians during the American Revolution.

Shots rang out. Soldiers fell dead. On April 19, 1775, the bitter conflict that had been brewing between the American colonists and Great Britain ignited on the battlefield. The British king's unfair tax policies had pushed the colonists toward war, but the American Revolution became a struggle for something greater, independence. And the world would never be the same again.

Winning the American Revolution was just the first step. After defeating Great Britain, the American colonies were united in name only. How would this independent nation be governed? During the summer of 1787, representatives went to Philadelphia to solve the problem. The result, the U.S. Constitution, created a new government, establishing the foundations of a free nation and setting a new course for history.

History remembers the leaders of the American Revolution, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Hancock, but the war could not have been won without the unsung heroes, courageous women and children. Women served as nurses and spies. A few even fought in battle. Children supported the cause, too. Although the fighting age was supposed to be sixteen, many young men fought in battle. Women and children made great sacrifices to help America win its freedom.